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Commentary - Want a weekend adventure?

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Evelyn Chavez
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  As a single, junior-enlisted Airman I often ask myself the same question every Friday, "What will I be doing this weekend?" Unsurprisingly, I am not the only Airman that often deals with the same question.

Having been stationed at Cannon for more than a year I have heard many commissioned and noncommissioned officers give us the same solution to our problem - "Hey Airman, there is a lot to see in New Mexico. Why don't you take a trip here or there?"

That might be true, but to be honest, Airmen like me might not have sufficient means to take a snowboarding trip to Taos, N.M., or go white-water rafting in Colorado Springs, Colo. So, what is the answer to our frequent weekend question?

Luckily, there are people on base who are making it possible for Airmen to have the best experience possible during their time here. What is this new program and who are these individuals making it possible?

The Airman's Adventure is a program recently begun by the base chapel, which gives young Airmen the opportunity to participate in activities such as hiking, traveling the region, and safely enjoying the weekend to make the most of our assignment here.

Having the opportunity to enjoy the first trip the program offered Nov. 1 was quite an experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We drove a few hours to the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, N.M., for a three to four hour hike.

A group of nearly 20 Airmen from the base climbed and climbed until we reached the top of the mountain. Beautiful scenery awaited us as we finally made it to the highest point our time span allowed us. As we enjoyed the view from the top, our groups had discussion which made us ponder situations we are faced with either occasionally or on a daily basis. We talked about leadership and values, among other topics.

Despite the exhausting climb and the scratches and slips here and there, the hike made the most of a Saturday. It was not only a well spent weekend but a weekend with advice, a little self reflection, lots of laughs, and perhaps the beginning of new friendships.

This program is available to all enlisted Airmen; therefore, if you find yourself asking the same question I did, think again and look for the programs that are offered to us. Remember there is always something to do and something out there that is good for everyone.

What's the next adventure and when? If you are interested in being part of the Airman's Adventure visit the chapel or contact the chapel at 784-2507.

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